Whoa, could this ever happen today? A ‘radical’ pro-Black musical group on the cover of a mainstream magazine? This issue was obviously popular back in ’92 because someone stole it from my dorm room. I had to purchase another copy from EBay last spring to post this but once again, I never got around to it until now. So this issue is a T.R.O.Y. blog exclusive. After re-reading it, I can see that it was probably stolen because of the Das Efx and Pete Rock & CL Smooth album reviews. If you weren’t aware, those groups were on fire in ’92 and the radio kept “They Want Efx” and “They Reminisce Over You” on constant rotation. Looking back, did both of their albums deserve 4 mics, though? I also forgot that this issue had a small article discussing the death of Kid Hood from Tribe‘s “Scenario” remix. I remember being pretty upset after first reading that back then. One verse and his career was over. If only that could have happened to Lil Wayne instead…

Source May 1992 issue

If you’re looking for something else, then head on over to THIMK.

~Vincent Lopez~

After many re-up requests at THIMK over the past year and an invite from Mr. Philaflava himself, I’ve decided to post some old Source magazines right here on the T.R.O.Y. blog. We’ve decided to kick this off with the January 1993 issue, which is the 1992 year in review. I’m not sure about many of you but mid 1991 to late 1992 was a very significant time for me while a sophomore/junior in college and music played a huge part in that. From what I read, to how I dressed, to my socio-political views, my religious beliefs, and even how I ate; I can tie them all back to a particular, artist, album or lyric from that time period. Does music still have that kind of impact today? I almost killed myself trying to find a way to get home from college every other weekend just so I could visit Sound of Market and/or Funk-O-Mart to purchase the latest album The Source had advertised or reviewed and also get their latest issue. This was back when their rating system actually meant something and when my friends I literally fought over the ratings. Just take a look at that list of the supposed best albums of that time period below:

My personal top six albums (in no order) from ’92 would be:

Redman – Whut? Thee Album (4.5 mics, November ’92 issue)

Gangstarr – A Daily Operation (3.5 mics, June ’92 issue)

Boogie Down Productions – Sex and Violence (4.5 mics, March ’92 issue)

Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca & The Soul Brother (4 mics, May ’92 issue)

Diamond – Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop (4 mics, November ’92 issue)

Showbiz & A.G. – Runaway Slave (4 mics, November ’92 issue)

Enjoy the issue if you haven’t read it already. You can also read the gibberish I previously wrote about this issue here, so click that before you download it.

pw=thimk

Source January 1993 issue

– Vincent Lopez